Innovative Journal of Medical Imaging

Virtopsy in Modern Forensic Practice: Current Applications, Technological Advances, and Future Perspectives

Background: Virtopsy (virtual autopsy) is a non-invasive forensic approach that uses advanced imaging technologies for post-mortem examination. Objective: This review evaluates the applications, advantages, limitations, and prospects of virtopsy in modern forensic medicine. Results: Imaging modalities such as Post-Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT), Post-Mortem Magnetic Resonance Imaging (PMMRI), Post-Mortem Computed Tomography Angiography (PMCTA), and 3D surface scanning enable detailed assessment of traumatic injuries, cardiovascular pathology, drowning, thermal injuries, strangulation, post-mortem interval, and human identification. Virtopsy provides rapid, non-destructive evaluation and permanent digital documentation, but has limitations in detecting microscopic and biochemical abnormalities. Conclusion: Virtopsy is a valuable complement to conventional autopsy. Advances in imaging technologies and artificial intelligence are expected to further improve its diagnostic accuracy and expand its role in forensic investigations.